Hystory of Plovdiv

The first to build a fortified settlement on the three hills were the Thracians and they called it Eumolpia. In 342 BC Philip 2' conquered the settlement, built new walls around it and called Philipoppolis (City of Philip). The next two centuries the Romans try to take control over Thrace. There were many bloody battles followed by diplomatic issues until at last, by 72 BC, the Roman army leader Terentius Varro Luculus managed to take control over the Maritza River Valley, Philipoppolis included, and the Romans began calling it Trimontium ( The Three Hills City ). Later Trimontium became center of the vast Trakia Romana Province. In The 2d and 3th centuries the city was declared metropolis of the province with a Senate of its own and All Thracians Assembly ( koinon trakon), was authorized to collect taxes and cut own coins. It was then that Trimontium reached its cultural and economical zenith. The Romans were quick in realizing the strategic location of Trimontium and began building strong, stone paved roads. They built administrative buildings, temples, public baths, stadiums and theatres as well. The city expanded and gradually left the three hills area, inhabiting the valley zone. Trimontium had modern water supply and sewage systems. The city was famous in the province with its large stadium, amphitheatre, public baths, but the most important building was the Roman Preatorium - the Residence of the Imperial Governor of the Thrace Province, where stood the Emperor when visiting.